The Journal
From the Blog
Dispatches from the village — written by people who walk these streets every day. History, food, culture and the stories behind the places you love.
Local Life
A Family Day Out in North London: The Best Itinerary with Kids
The best family day out in North London, the Heath playgrounds, Golders Hill Park's free zoo, the canal boat, London Zoo and kid-friendly food. A timed itinerary.
Beatrice Thornton · 6 min read
Local Life
A North London Markets Day: Camden, Columbia Road and Beyond
A market-hopping day in North London, Camden, Columbia Road flowers, Broadway Market, Camden Passage antiques and the farmers' markets. Days, times and a route.
Beatrice Thornton · 5 min read
Local Life
One Day in Highgate: A Walking Itinerary
How to spend a day in Highgate, the cemetery, the village, Waterlow Park, Highgate Wood and the Heath edge. A self-guided walking itinerary with timings and tips.
Beatrice Thornton · 6 min read
Local Life
A Perfect Day in Camden: The Complete Itinerary
How to spend one perfect day in Camden, the markets, the canal, the Roundhouse, Primrose Hill and the best street food. A timed itinerary with costs and tips.
James Calloway · 6 min read
Local Life
Two Days in North London: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
A two-day North London itinerary, Hampstead, the Heath, Highgate, Camden, Islington and Primrose Hill across a full weekend, with timings, costs and where to eat.
Oliver Hartwell · 6 min read
Local Life
North London for First-Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know
A first-timer's guide to North London, what to see, where to start, how to get around, where to eat and stay, and the mistakes to avoid. Everything you need to know.
James Calloway · 6 min read
Local Life
One Day in North London: The Perfect Itinerary
How to spend one perfect day in North London, Hampstead, the Heath, Highgate and Camden in a single walkable route, with timings, costs and where to eat.
Oliver Hartwell · 8 min read
Local Life
Hampstead Heath Parking: Where to Park, What It Costs, and When to Arrive
Parking at Hampstead Heath is possible but competitive. Here's where the car parks are and when to arrive.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Local Life
The Best Gyms and Fitness Studios in Hampstead: From Budget to Boutique
The best gyms and fitness studios in Hampstead, boutique studios, council leisure centres, personal training and outdoor fitness on the Heath. Complete NW3 guide.
James Calloway · 6 min read
Local Life
The Best Secondary Schools in North London: A Parent's Guide
The best secondary schools in North London, UCS, Highgate School, South Hampstead High, Camden School for Girls and top state options. A parent's complete guide.
Oliver Hartwell · 7 min read
Local Life
Things to Do in Camden Town: Beyond the Market
Camden Town is more than just the market. Street food, live music, Regent's Canal, the Roundhouse, independent shops and local pubs, a complete guide to NW1.
James Calloway · 5 min read
Local Life
Primrose Hill: A Complete Guide to the Neighbourhood and Park
Everything about Primrose Hill, the park, the views, the village high street, where to eat, and how to get there. A complete guide to NW1's most scenic neighbourhood.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Local Life
Camden Market: A Complete Visitor's Guide
A complete guide to Camden Market: the different markets, the best street food, opening times, what to buy, and how to combine it with a Hampstead visit.
Beatrice Thornton · 6 min read
Local Life
Things to Do in Hampstead: A Local's Honest Guide to NW3
The best things to do in Hampstead, written by locals: the Heath, the swimming ponds, Kenwood's free art, the village's hidden corners and historic pubs, and how to plan a day that beats the crowds.
Beatrice Thornton · 9 min read
Local Life
Highgate Village Guide: What to See, Eat, and Do in North London
A complete guide to Highgate Village: Highgate Cemetery, Waterlow Park, the historic High Street, the best pubs, getting there, and how it compares to Hampstead.
Oliver Hartwell · 8 min read